Daffodil Narcissus 'Crackington' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Crackington' is a striking plant, most commonly known as a daffodil. This particular variety boasts large, cheerful blooms that are characterized by their rich, golden-orange color. The trumpet-shaped central cups are deeply colored, often exhibiting a more intense hue than the surrounding petals, which radiate around the central cup like a ruffled skirt. The outer petals are broad and slightly curved back, framing the cup prominently. The foliage of Narcissus 'Crackington' is slender and sword-like, with a fresh, bright green color that provides an attractive contrast against the warm tones of the flowers. The leaves form a clustered base from which the flower stems rise, each stem typically carrying a single flower. Narcissus 'Crackington' brings a vibrant splash of color to any garden setting and is often a herald of spring. Its blooms are not only eye-catching in appearance but also bear a delightful fragrance that adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to their presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Crackington'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, a common name for Narcissus 'Crackington', is considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the daffodil plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, daffodil poisoning may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even coma. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Daffodil, as the most common name for Narcissus 'Crackington', is toxic to pets. If pets ingest any part of the daffodil plant, they may experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues, cardiac problems, and could be fatal. The bulb of the plant is the most poisonous part.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 feet 6 inches (0.45 meters)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (0.15 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its bright yellow flowers and orange cups.
- Versatility: Can be planted in borders, rockeries, containers, or naturalized in grass.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other garden pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and can tolerate some neglect.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the spring, offering a cheerful display after the cold winter months.
- Breeding Potential: Can be used in breeding programs to develop new daffodil varieties.
- Perennial Growth: Comes back year after year, making it a cost-effective garden investment.
- Resistant to Deer and Rodents: Typically not favored by deer and rodents, which can help reduce garden damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daffodil 'Crackington' bulbs can be used in a technique called "forcing" to encourage them to bloom out of season for indoor display and winter cheer.
- The blooms of the Daffodil 'Crackington' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of yellow hues.
- Daffodil 'Crackington' flowers can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- The strong stems of the Daffodil 'Crackington' can be used in floral crafts like wreath making or as a structural support in large arrangements.
- Cut Daffodil 'Crackington' blooms can serve as indicators for too much indoor air pollution, as the flowers will deteriorate faster in poor air quality.
- The sap from the Daffodil 'Crackington' is known to have a slimy consistency that some creative gardeners can use as a natural adhesive for small garden repairs.
- The pattern and shape of Daffodil 'Crackington' petals can inspire artists and designers in their creations, from fashion to graphic design.
- During the Victorian era, Daffodil 'Crackington' bulbs were sometimes used as a replacement for laundry starch given their high starch content.
- Children can use the hollowed-out stems of Daffodil 'Crackington' for making simple musical instruments or for straw-like blowing bubbles.
- In photography, the bright, cheerful Daffodil 'Crackington' bloom can be used as a natural prop or backdrop to add vibrancy and focus to the scene.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, Narcissus 'Crackington' commonly symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- Renewal: As a sign of spring, daffodils like Narcissus 'Crackington' often represent rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited love: Similarly stemming from the myth of Narcissus, this plant can also symbolize unrequited love, reflecting the story where Narcissus' love for himself could not be returned.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, daffodils are associated with good fortune and prosperity, particularly if they are the first to bloom in spring.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Crackington', require moderate watering. During the growing season, water them thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square yard. If rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering accordingly. After blooming, gradually reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back to encourage dormancy. Overwatering or leaving the bulbs in soggy soil can cause bulb rot, so ensure the soil drains well and never becomes waterlogged.
LightDaffodils prefer full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Crackington' is in a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They will thrive under dappled shade as well, but too much shade may result in fewer blooms. Ensure that the site is away from tall plants or structures that could create excessive shade.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for Daffodils ranges between 50°F and 70°F. Narcissus 'Crackington' can endure winter cold down to about 15°F and are generally hardy in colder climates. It's best to plant them in an area where they are exposed to cooler temperatures during their dormant period in the summer as this helps initiate blooming for the next season.
PruningDeadhead Daffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Crackington', after blooms fade to prevent seed formation, focusing the plant's energy on bulb growth. However, do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, typically around six weeks after blooming, as the leaves are gathering energy for the next year's growth. Pruning is not needed beyond removing spent flowers and yellowed foliage.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Crackington' thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of loamy soil with added compost or well-rotted manure provides the nutrition and drainage necessary. Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodils such as 'Crackington' are typically grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. They can stay in the same location for several years but may be divided and replanted if the clumps become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Crackington' prefers average humidity conditions and does not require special humidity considerations. They are generally tolerant of the humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full to partial sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Crackington', commonly known as a daffodil, begins its lifecycle with a dormant bulb which breaks dormancy in late winter or early spring. The bulb sends up shoots and strap-like leaves, followed by the emergence of one or more flower stems, each typically bearing a single large bloom with a trumpet-shaped corona. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, wherein the foliage gathers energy and stores it in the bulb for the next growing season. As the weather warms, the leaves die back and the plant goes into summer dormancy. In autumn, the bulb may multiply through division, creating offsets, or "daughter bulbs," which can be separated and planted to propagate new plants. The cycle repeats annually, with bulbs requiring a period of cold temperatures to initiate the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Narcissus 'Crackington', commonly known as a variety of daffodil, is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to propagate daffodils by dividing is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of daffodil bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs, ensuring that each division has a portion of the basal plate and at least one growth point. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart, and about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil around them, which will also provide the moisture needed for them to start establishing roots before winter.
